The 2025-26 season will be one that will remain forever in the memories of all Arsenal supporters, as the club continued their 20-year wait to win the Premier League title.
Mikel Arteta deserves a lot of credit for his achievements at Emirates, but his sustained success this season has only increased the demand for success from the fan base.
The Gunners will now enter the 2026/27 season as the hunted rather than the hunted, and it will be vitally important that their senior players can withstand the pressure that comes with it.
After winning the title, Arteta made it clear that he was keen to add reinforcements in a number of key areas to his squad in order to repeat that feat next season.
Leandro Trossard’s departure from North London opens the door for further investment in the forward areas, with one player emerging as a key transfer target.
What will Barcola add to Arsenal’s attack in 2026/27?
In recent weeks, Arsenal have emerged as a potential destination for PSG winger Bradley Barcola ahead of the 2026-27 season.
Liverpool are also a Premier League club who have been named in the race for the 23-year-old attacker, and although a move is a possibility, the move could cost at least £100m.
Figures like these would represent a huge investment from the Gunners hierarchy, but if he emulates the numbers of his recent campaign in Ligue 1, it could prove worth every penny.
The left winger had an impressive 1.6 shots on target last season, allowing the Frenchman to finish the league season with 11 goals in 29 appearances.
Most G+A by a winger in Ligue 1 (2025/26) | |
|---|---|
player | tally |
mason greenwood | twenty three |
iran kebar | 13 |
bradley barcola | 12 |
roman del castillo | 12 |
Hvitya Kvaratskheria | 12 |
Magnes Acriosh | 12 |
endrik | 12 |
Desire Due | 11 |
The former of the two statistics ranks him in the top 6% of all forwards in the division, highlighting his ability to consistently pose a threat within the attacking third of the pitch.
During the same campaign, Barcola created an impressive 2.1 chances per 90. Of these, 0.6 are defined as big opportunity creation.
Both figures are higher than 95% of other attackers in the French top flight, demonstrating his ability to both find the back of the net himself and create endless opportunities for others in front of goal.
Why Arsenal’s £130m target makes them a bigger talent than Barcola
Despite reports that Barcola has been linked with a move to Arsenal this summer, he is not the only attacking player to have been named on the shortlist in recent stages.
Club Brugge star Christos Tzoris is also currently on their list, with reports claiming personal terms have already been agreed with the Greek international.
The 24-year-old finished last season with an impressive 22 goals and 29 assists in 52 appearances in all competitions and is in talks for a potential £40m move to the Gunners.
However, Aston Villa star Morgan Rodgers remains one of the club’s attacking targets, with journalist Fabrizio Romano providing an update on the situation.
Speaking on his YouTube channel this week, he said: “I’m not aware that Arsenal are in active negotiations[for Barcola]. He’s on the list, but number one on that list is Morgan Rodgers.”
“For Barcola, Liverpool will remain there, but again it depends on how much PSG demands to let him go this summer.”
News of Rodgers’ potential transfer will be music to the ears of every Arsenal supporter. His statistics in recent campaigns show why he is already a better talent than the Frenchman.
The Villa star finished the recent Premier League season with 16 goals and assists. This is five points higher than what PSG’s star can achieve in Ligue 1.
The aforementioned numbers highlight his incredible ability to cause carnage within attacking areas, potentially handing him further forward qualities that Arteta is targeting at this time of year.
He has also been able to complete more of the dribbles he attempted last season, making him a better ball carrier for the Gunners as they look to take their title bid even further.
Rodgers’ 5.1 touches per 90 in the opposition box ranks in the top 20% of Premier League players, but also highlights his ability to be in the right place at the right time.
The £130 million deal is a record deal for Arteta’s side and ensures the club has secured top-level attacking talent on the left side of the attack for years to come.
Barcora would also be a great addition for the Gunners this season, but Rodgers’ added quality and experience in England’s top flight would make him a better signing this summer.
The 23-year-old is exactly the kind of player the hierarchy should be targeting after winning the title last season, but only time will tell if they can convince Villa to sign their star attacker.
